I Love Wearing Blazers for Work and the Weekend—12 Ways I Style Them for the Office and Beyond

A friend recently asked me to help her style out her closet with her existing wardrobe. As we were going through each item, I noticed that something was missing —there was no blazer in sight. Afterward, she told me that she doesn’t wear blazers because she can’t find one that works with her petite frame.

Her comment got me thinking about how so much of my style identity over the last 10 years has been tied to wearing a blazer. Every time I put one on, whether oversized, cropped, double, or single-breasted, it always makes me feel put together and polished. More than that, wearing a great blazer is empowering, almost like a shield of armor.

And I’m not alone. “A blazer is more than just an item of clothing; it can serve as a confidence builder, and a symbol of personal style and professionalism all at once,” says Christie Smythe, co-designer of Smythe, a label known for redefining modern suiting. Smythe’s ethos is something I believe all women can benefit from, no matter who they are. And here was my best friend, missing out on that experience. It made me wonder how many other people were also hesitant to wear blazers simply because they couldn’t find one that best suited them.

Most fashion insiders will tell you that the key to being well-dressed is an expert tailor working behind the scenes. So if you don’t know where to start, begin by focusing on fit. Andrea Lenczner, Smythe’s co-designer, says: “A great blazer masterfully blends the principles of classic tailoring and contemporary style. Nothing fits perfectly right off the rack, but a great tailor who can tweak a waist and bust and adjust a sleeve length will take a blazer to the next level and make it look like it was made for you.” Even your favorite brands, celebrities, and influencers rely on tailoring to make it feel custom, so why not give yourself that same experience?

Once you’ve nailed the style and fit, it’s time to figure out how to wear it. Luckily, blazers are one of the most versatile wardrobe staples—they can be worn with almost anything. “Women wear blazers in ways that feel lived-in and expressive—oversized, belted, layered, worn with everything from athletic gear to a tulle ball gown and everything in between,” says Smythe.

Whether you’re going to work, on a date, or to a black-tie event, trust me when I say, there’s a blazer for that. Keep reading for 12 creative ways to wear a blazer no matter the occasion.

Structured Asymmetry

One way to flex your personal style is by pairing a structured gray blazer with asymmetrical pieces underneath. The contrast between the two creates an overall look that’s both unexpected and cool. The single-breasted blazer offers sharp, clean lines, while the midi skirt and leotard add fluidity. An edgy look like this deserves to be properly accessorized—think a chain belt, leg warmers, and a small purse for the perfect finishing touch.

Overly Relaxed

Wearing a blazer doesn’t always have to mean serious business. For a relaxed, off-duty vibe, pair it with baggy denim and lean into the oversized fit. My recommendation would be to wear your blazer as a top instead of a jacket. Finish it off with your favorite pair of sneakers to walk all over town in.

Great Lengths

Long shorts are shaping up to be one of summer’s most viral trends. One way that I’m looking forward to styling them is with a plain white tee and a double-breasted blazer. The reason this combo works so well together is because of their longer lengths. The blazer extends past the hip while the shorts hit right below the knee, creating a sleek, elongated silhouette.

Rope Belt

Another fun accessories trend that you should definitely incorporate into your blazer game? Rope belts. Especially ones with tassels on the ends. Any belt is going to level up your blazer look as it cinches the waist. According to Lenczner, “Accessories enable you to personalize a perfectly tailored blazer to express your individuality, modernize the complete look and make it appropriate for various occasions.” So the next time you’re faced with the question of belt or no belt, always go for the belt!

Collarless Cool

Although a classic blazer usually comes with a collar or lapel, sometimes it’s refreshing to wear one without one entirely. In this case, the collarless blazer is worn more like a blouse as it’s fitted very close to the body, likely having been tailored. You can wear a standard black blazer top like this with any bottom, and a maxi skirt is always a chic choice.

Tied Together

A tie and blazer aren’t just for the boys anymore. This gender neutral combination is trending due in part to Saint Laurent’s spring/summer 2025 runway show, where creative director Anthony Vaccarello sent a myriad of ties and blazers down the runway. To take part in the designer trend, pair a blazer with exaggerated shoulders with a tie and button-down for a modern take on classic suiting.

Sheer Fantasy

This spring and summer you’ll be seeing sheer everything—from pants, dresses, to skirts. If you’re looking for a way to wear the transparent style, you can easily do so with an oversized belted blazer. It’s long enough to keep you covered in all the right places, while creating a beautiful hourglass shape with the belt around your waist.

Coat Check

Have you ever liked the way your outfit looked when a kind gentleman gave you his jacket after a fun night of dancing? I know I have. Don’t wait for a man to offer you his coat if you can just bring your own. Throw a sleek blazer over your shoulders while wearing any floor-length gown for an effortless look. It’s the ultimate proof that a blazer works for any occasion—even a formal one.

Trouser Pro

Perhaps one of my favorite looks for a day of work is an oversized blazer and a pair of trousers. It’s relaxed and comfortable while being professional and chic. If the blazer is super slouchy, I’m always going to suggest you belt it to add a little more shape. You can wear this outfit with sneakers, flats, or kitten heels—really, whatever the day calls for.

Mini Shorts

Looking for your next date-night outfit? Consider wearing a collarless blazer tucked into high-waisted mini shorts for a flirty look. This outfit with bold, statement shoulders does most of the talking for you, so you can sit back, relax, and have a good time.

Personality Play

If you’re looking to add a little more personality to your wardrobe, you can do so with a fun, printed blazer. With so many different designs to choose from, you can opt for whatever feels like the most natural expression to you. For spring and summer, florals are the way to go to welcome in the changing seasons.

Think Pink

Another way to embrace the warmer season is to wear a fully monochromatic suit in a colorway that only really works during this time of year. A light pink, pastel hue has such a beautiful and feminine touch to it. Accessorize with a matching pink purse and white strappy sandals, and you’ll be on your way.

Read the original article on InStyle